The Division of Justice (DOJ) has arrested an Idaho teenager after he allegedly deliberate to assault Christian church buildings throughout Ramadan.
Alexander Scott Mercurio, 18, “pledged his allegiance to ISIS and meant to commit assaults on its behalf,” in line with the information launch.
“As alleged within the grievance, the defendant swore an oath of allegiance to ISIS and deliberate to hold out an assault on church buildings in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho on its behalf,” stated Legal professional Common Merrick Garland. “Because of the investigative efforts of the FBI, the defendant was taken into custody earlier than he might act and is now charged with making an attempt to assist the terrorist and violent mission of ISIS. The Division of Justice will proceed to relentlessly pursue, disrupt, and maintain accountable those that would commit acts of terrorism towards the folks and pursuits of america.
“Mercurio is charged in a federal grievance with making an attempt to supply materials assist or assets to a chosen overseas terrorist group,” the press launch added. “If convicted, Mercurio faces a most sentence of 20 years in federal jail.”
Mercurio's plan was stated to be: “Cease close to the church, equip the weapon(s) and assault the temple, kill as many individuals as attainable earlier than they inevitably disperse/disperse, then burn the temple to the bottom and flee the scene.”
These actions had been deliberate towards 21 church buildings.
In line with courtroom paperwork, Mercurio's plan would come with “the usage of flame-retardant weapons, explosives, knives, a machete, a pipe, and ultimately firearms.”
In February, a Minnesota man was charged with offering and conspiring to supply materials assist to a chosen overseas terrorist group.
The paperwork allege that Harafa Hussein Abdi, 41, joined and skilled with ISIS in Somalia and that he inspired others to hitch.
“As acknowledged within the grievance, Abdi moved from Minnesota to Somalia in 2015,” the Justice Division stated in a information launch Friday. “As soon as there, he joined a gaggle of ISIS fighters at an ISIS coaching camp in Somalia's Puntland area.”
